15-Day Casablanca to Sahara Desert Round-Trip Experience
Day 1: Arrival in Casablanca – Transfer to Rabat
Upon arrival at Casablanca International Airport, you’ll be warmly welcomed by your private driver/guide. Begin your Moroccan journey with a panoramic tour of Casablanca’s iconic landmarks: the majestic Hassan II Mosque, the Art Deco architecture of the Habous quarter, and the scenic Corniche along the Atlantic.
Later, drive north to Rabat, Morocco’s capital. Take a peaceful walk through the old medina before dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight stay in a charming riad or hotel.
Day 2: Rabat – Chefchaouen
After breakfast, explore Rabat’s major historical sites including the picturesque Kasbah of the Udayas, the imposing Hassan Tower, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, and the ancient Roman-Marinid site of Chellah.
Continue your journey through the Gharb plains and lush Rif mountains toward the blue-washed town of Chefchaouen. Arrive in time to enjoy a peaceful sunset. Dinner and overnight in a traditional riad.
Day 3: Chefchaouen – Volubilis – Meknes – Fez
Stroll through Chefchaouen’s vibrant blue alleys and artisan shops before heading south. Visit the archaeological site of Volubilis, once a thriving Roman city.
Continue to Meknes, a former imperial capital, to admire the impressive Bab Mansour gate, Moulay Ismail Mausoleum, and Heri es-Souani granaries. Arrive in Fez in the late afternoon. Overnight in a riad in the heart of the medina.
Day 4: Full-Day Exploration of Fez
Meet your local guide for a deep dive into Fez, Morocco’s spiritual and cultural center. Visit the Jewish Quarter (Mellah), the gates of the Royal Palace, and a renowned ceramic workshop.
Wander the narrow alleys of Fez el-Bali, the oldest functioning medina in the world—a UNESCO World Heritage site. Discover ancient tanneries, madrasas, souks, and artisan quarters. End your day in the modern Ville Nouvelle or relax at your riad.
Day 5: Fez – Ifrane – Midelt – Merzouga (Sahara Desert)
Leave Fez and head toward the Sahara, passing through Ifrane—nicknamed “the Switzerland of Morocco”—and the cedar forests of Azrou.
Enjoy lunch in Midelt before crossing the dramatic Ziz Valley. Continue through Erfoud and Rissani, gateways to the desert, before reaching Merzouga. Enjoy dinner and overnight in a kasbah-style hotel or riad.
Day 6: Sahara Immersion – Merzouga Desert
Rise early for a stunning desert sunrise over the golden dunes. After breakfast, explore the area on foot or by 4×4, visiting nomadic families and learning about their lifestyle.
Enjoy a Berber lunch in the desert, then prepare for your camel trek into the dunes. Arrive at your luxury desert camp in time for sunset. Dinner under the stars with traditional music around the fire.
Day 7: Merzouga – Todra Gorge – Dades Valley
After breakfast, depart the desert and journey toward the Todra Gorge. Along the way, explore palm groves and desert kasbahs.
Arrive at the dramatic Todra Canyons, ideal for a scenic hike or photo stop. Continue to the Dades Valley for dinner and overnight in a cozy hotel overlooking the river.
Day 8: Dades – Skoura – Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou
Travel along the famed Route of a Thousand Kasbahs. Visit a rose distillery in Kelaa Mgouna and explore the Skoura Oasis and the impressive Kasbah Amridil.
In Ouarzazate, stop at the historic Kasbah Taourirt and, if time allows, visit the renowned Atlas Film Studios. Conclude the day in Ait Ben Haddou, a striking UNESCO-listed ksar. Dinner and overnight stay nearby.
Day 9: Ait Ben Haddou – Telouet – Marrakech
After breakfast, explore the fortified village of Ait Ben Haddou, used in many famous films.
Then drive along the scenic Ounila Valley to visit the once-glorious Kasbah of Telouet. Cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass and descend into Marrakech. Check into your riad for the night.
Day 10: Discovering Marrakech
Meet your licensed guide for a full-day tour of the Red City. Visit iconic sites like the Bahia Palace, Ben Youssef Madrasa, the Saadian Tombs, and the Jewish Quarter (Mellah).
Stroll through the tranquil Menara Gardens and marvel at the architecture of the Koutoubia Mosque. End the day in the bustling Jemaa el-Fnaa square. Overnight at your riad.
Day 11: Marrakech – Argan Forest – Essaouira
Depart Marrakech for the Atlantic coast. Stop at a women’s cooperative to learn about argan oil production.
Arrive in Essaouira, a laid-back fishing town known for its fortified medina and breezy atmosphere. Explore the ramparts, medina, and harbor. Overnight in a seaside riad.
Day 12: Full Day in Essaouira
Enjoy a guided tour of Essaouira’s highlights, including Skala de la Ville, local artisan workshops, and the lively fish market.
Take time to relax at the beach, enjoy fresh seafood, or simply wander the winding streets of this coastal gem. Overnight stay.
Day 13: Essaouira – Marrakech
Return to Marrakech. Spend the afternoon exploring hidden gems in the medina or shopping for last-minute souvenirs.
In the evening, enjoy a special farewell dinner with live Berber music and traditional Moroccan entertainment. Overnight in your riad.
Day 14: Marrakech – Ouzoud Waterfalls
Embark on a day trip to the breathtaking Ouzoud Waterfalls, one of Morocco’s most stunning natural attractions. Enjoy a short hike, take a boat ride near the base, or watch for playful monkeys.
Overnight in a guesthouse near the falls.
Day 15: Ouzoud – Casablanca Airport
After breakfast, drive back to Casablanca for your international flight. Your unforgettable journey through Morocco comes to an end.
Tour Highlights
Casablanca: Hassan II Mosque & coastal views
Rabat: Royal landmarks and tranquil medina
Chefchaouen: Blue alleys and mountain serenity
Fez: Ancient medina, artisan heritage, and culture
Sahara: Camel rides, nomad encounters, and stargazing
Dades & Todra: Dramatic canyons and valley life
Ait Ben Haddou: UNESCO ksar and Atlas crossings
Marrakech: Monuments, markets, and magic
Essaouira: Seaside charm and history
Ouzoud: Morocco’s highest waterfalls and natural beauty
What’s Included
14 nights of accommodation in carefully selected riads and hotels (half-board or breakfast as specified)
Private transportation in an air-conditioned 4×4 or minivan
English/Spanish/French/Italian-speaking driver-guide
Local guides in Fez, Marrakech, Essaouira, and other major cities
Camel trek and overnight luxury camp in the Sahara
Entrance to nomadic camp and hammam experience
Guided hikes in Dades Valley and optional activities in Ouzoud
Dinner & cultural show in Marrakech
Bottled water during the trip
Not Included
Monument entrance fees
Lunches and beverages
Personal expenses
Tips for guides and driver
International airfare